Massachusetts Teachers Unions

In Massachusetts teachers are primarily represented by two major unions: the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) and American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts. Both unions advocate for educators’ rights, focusing on collective bargaining for wages, benefits, and working conditions, as well as providing some legal protection and professional development resources. They are deeply involved in political advocacy, pushing for more money for public education but also taking stands on controversial social issues as well as generally for higher taxes and spending.

The MTA, the larger of the two, is affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA), while AFT Massachusetts is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Both unions play significant roles in shaping education policy in the state, ensuring that teachers’ voices are heard in the decision-making process.

Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA)

Leadership

• President: Max Page
• Vice President: Deb McCarthy

Organization
The Massachusetts Teachers Association is organized as a statewide union affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA) and represents over 110,000 educators. It is governed by a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee that are elected by its members.
The MTA is made up of local affiliates, which represent educators in individual school districts or colleges. Each local affiliate handles collective bargaining, contract negotiations, and member services for their specific district. The MTA also has several committees focused on areas like legislation, higher education, and professional development.

Member Dues
Full-time members of the MTA typically pay $600 to $1,000 annually, depending on the local affiliate and district agreements. These dues include contributions to both the state-level MTA and the national NEA. Part-time members and paraprofessionals pay less, but amounts can vary based on their local agreements and job classification. Local affiliates may also require additional dues on top of the state and national dues.

Meetings
The Massachusetts Teachers Association holds several key meetings throughout the year. Its main statewide event is the Annual Meeting of Delegates, typically held in the spring. In addition to the annual meeting, the MTA’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee meet regularly to oversee operations and make key decisions. Local affiliates within the MTA often hold monthly or quarterly meetings to address member concerns and issues specific to the district.

Requirements
To join the MTA, you must be an educator or work in a position related to education in the state of Massachusetts. This includes K-12 teachers, higher education faculty, paraprofessional, or support staff. Membership typically involves joining both a local affiliate of the MTA within your school district or institution and the statewide MTA.

The union is open to both active and retired educators, as well as student members enrolled in education programs who aspire to become teachers, though the rules of membership may vary.

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Pros and Cons

• Pros: MTA provides legal assistance, professional development and advocates for education funding and retirement benefits. Despite these advantages, the union’s size may cause disagreements among members.
• Cons: Annual dues are required which can be expensive for some educators and members may not agree with the union’s political activities. Individual influence is limited and support varies by local affiliation.

American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts (AFT Massachusetts)

Leadership

• AFT President of Massaachusetts: Jessica J. Tang
• Secretary/Treasurer of Massachusetts: Brant Duncan

Organization
AFT Massachusetts is the state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and represents teachers, paraprofessionals, and higher education staff. The union is organized with a statewide leadership structure that includes a President, Vice Presidents, and an Executive Board who are elected by union members.

Local affiliates of AFT Massachusetts, such as the Boston Teachers Union (BTU), handle day-to-day issues like collective bargaining, contract negotiations, and member representation. These local unions represent educators at the district level and report to the statewide organization. AFT Massachusetts also emphasizes political advocacy, professional development, and social justice through its various committees and advocacy efforts.

Member Dues
Full-time members of AFT Massachusetts typically pay between $500 to $900 in dues annually, depending on the local union. These dues include contributions to both AFT Massachusetts and the national organization. Additional contributions to local chapters may be required.

Meetings
AFT Massachusetts holds organizational meetings with local affiliates monthly or quarterly to address local matters like contract negotiations and member concerns. At the state level, the union holds regular leadership and executive board meetings throughout the year. In addition to regular meetings, the organization hosts conventions every two years where elected delegates gather to discuss statewide issues, set policies and elect union officers.

Requirements
To join AFT Massachusetts, individuals must work in an eligible education-related position. This includes teachers, paraprofessionals, or higher education staff in Massachusetts. Membership typically requires joining a local affiliate, such as the Boston Teachers Union (BTU).

Members must pay annual dues which go toward collective bargaining, legal assistance and advocacy efforts. Similar to other teachers unions, AFT Massachusetts also allows student memberships for individuals studying to become educators.

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Pros and Cons

• Pros: AFT Massachusetts uses collective bargaining to secure better wages, benefits and job protections for educators. The union ensures educators have a say in leadership decisions and key issues like school safety and class sizes.
• Cons: Union dues can be costly for some members and political positions may cause disagreements. Individual influence is limited to collective decision-making and support can vary between local affiliates.

Call to Action

Union membership is a choice. If you decide union membership is not right for you, opting out is easy.